Discussion

Simple Soups?

I have been obsessed recently w/soups. I keep making Chickpea Rosemary, Black Bean, and the other night Carrot Ginger. (So easy b/c I use canned beans and stocks...usually.) Not only are they super simple but filling, fast and healthy too. Do you have any simple soup recipes you love? I am looking to expand. Healthy and not so healthy are ok too...just delicious! Thanks! :)

I've fallen in love with a garlic soup recipe. I usually add potatoes, noodles, or an egg (after the manner of egg drop soup. Or you could temper just the yolks in, that makes for a hearty but smooth soup)

Heat oil in saucepan. When warm, add garlic and cook for about 1 min (dont' let garlic burn). Then add lentils, water, thympe, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 45 min to an hour. When done simmering, mix flour with cold water. Add to soup. Simmer for another 5 minutes or so (until you can't taste the raw flour). Taste to see if any more salt is needed. Top with pita if desired.

Source: The Tao of Cooking, by Sally Pasley (it's a vegetarian cookbook)

* Cream of Potato SoupSautee some onions or green onions with celery, combine and use with leftover mashed potatoes and some hot chicken stock.....puree in a blender. Transfer back to a pot and finish with cream.

* Cream of Tomato SoupSweat any of the following finely chopped vegetables....onions, celery, carrot, green onions Add some vegetable stock and a can of crushed tomatoes and whole milk. You can thicken with a roux or pureed rice. Instead of using milk and a roux or rice to thicken, you can also finish with heavy cream.

Hot & Sour Soup (before you pick the recipe apart, I urge you to just TRY it, then pick it apart - this is kind of the "basic pantry" version - perk it up with whatever you're used to seeing in "your" hot & sour - tiger lily buds, shitakes, woodear mushrooms, bean sprouts, etc.)

Bring back to a boil & stir pot to get a good "swirl" going. Drizzle in fine stream of beaten egg. Stir together vinegar and corn starch, stir into pot. Bring back to a gentle boil to thicken, adding tofu and whatever meats you prefer just long enough to warm. Garnish with green onions.Depending upon your vinegar, you may need to tinker a bit at the end to get the "sour" right for your tastes, ditto for the chili paste and soy. So, as always, adjust as necessary.

Creamless Creamy Corn and Onion SoupScrape white corn off the ears. Saute diced onion in olive oil or butter with salt, til translucent. Add corn, diced potatoes and cauliflower, as well as vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil and simmer til veggies are soft. Puree with an immersion blender, and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also add herbs if you like. Serve with sourdough or french bread rubbed with garlic and toasted.